DELIGHTED TO SEE RIVAL BOSS BACK

'It’s good to see the senior managers like John (and me!) keeping going' says Mick

Mick McCarthy says he’s delighted to see one of his fellow ‘senior’ managers back in English football as Blues prepare to take on John Gregory’s Crawley in the Capital One Cup tonight.

Former Aston Villa, Derby and QPR boss Gregory landed his first managerial job in English football in six years when he was appointed at Crawley halfway through last season.

His return to these shores followed a two year spell between 2009 and 2011 when he managed in Israel and Kazakhstan.

“John’s had a good career as a manager and worked at some big clubs,” Town boss Mick told the Club website.

“It’s very easy to disappear off the radar though when you lose a job and John had to go and find work abroad.

“I’m delighted to see him back and working here again. It’s good to see the senior managers like John, Steve Bruce is another (and me!) keeping going.

“It’s not easy. With the greatest of respect, I managed the Republic of Ireland to the last 16 of the World Cup and took Sunderland and Wolves up to the Premier League as champions but when I was out for eight months I had to take on a club that was at the bottom of the Championship.

“I’m glad I did take on that job. When you are wondering when the next offer is coming from, you can take the wrong one when it is offered to you. I didn’t. This is a fantastic job and I’m loving it here.”

Town: It’s easier to name who is fit with as many as 10 players missing. David McGoldrick, Cole Skuse, Tommy Smith, Paul Anderson, Stephen Hunt, Jonathan Parr and Daryl Murphy are among the definite absentees. Matt Clarke and Jack Marriott will both start for Town.

Match officials:

Referee: Andy Haines

Assistants: Nick Hobbis and Christopher O'Donnell

Fourth official: Paul Kelly

Where they finished last season

Town - 9th

Crawley – 14th League One

Worn both badges

Andy Drury

The midfielder joined Town from Luton in 2011 as Paul Jewell’s first signing for Blues and went on to make more than 60 appearances for the Club. He joined Crawley on a three month loan in the 2011/12 season but it would be two years before he returned to the club, signing for them in the summer of 2013. He spent a year at the Checkatrade.com stadium before recently going back to Luton.

To see the full interview with Mick, click on Ipswich Player.Follow every kick of tonight's game with live commentary on Ipswich Player and regular updates and reaction on the Club's social media channels.